Rural service to cover fire safety, survival

UNIVERSITY of New England students are helping the Rural Fire Service to save lives and properties in Invergowrie.

UNIVERSITY of New England students are helping the Rural Fire Service to save lives and properties in Invergowrie.

A hazard reduction field day on Saturday, August 30, organised for the RFS by a group of students, will help prepare residents for the upcoming fire season.

NSW RFS New England Superintendent Steve Mepham said there was a high potential for fire this year, with dry weather and higher-than-average temperatures predicted.

“There are many ways to reduce fire hazards and we will be providing information on alternatives to burning. This is very timely as recent high winds have forced the postponement of some hazard reduction burns,” he said.

Topics include weather, fire danger ratings, property preparation, what to do if fire approaches your property, responsibilities and how vegetation affects fire behaviour.

The day will be at the Diggings Rural Fire Brigade Station on Bilga Rd, Invergowrie, 10am-1pm, with morning tea and lunch provided.